An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced herbalist Segun Shina to 14 years in prison on Tuesday for attempting to sexually assault a 10-year-old epileptic girl.
Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the verdict after Shina pleaded guilty to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault under a plea bargain agreement.
Initially, Shina had pleaded not guilty but changed his plea as part of the deal.
Justice Oshodi stated that the evidence, along with Shina’s voluntary guilty plea, confirmed his guilt.
“The original charge carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” the judge noted.
“You exploited a vulnerable child seeking healing for epilepsy, betraying the trust placed in you as a traditional healer.”
While considering Shina’s plea for leniency and submissions from both his lawyer and the prosecutor, Oshodi sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment, effective from November 16, 2018, the date of his arrest.
The judge also ordered Shina’s family to ensure his rehabilitation upon release and barred him from contacting the survivor’s family.
“Your name shall be registered as a sex offender under the law,” Oshodi added. Shina was initially arraigned on April 4, 2021, for defilement by the Lagos State Government.
He had pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution, led by State Counsel Ms. Bukola Okeowo, to present two witnesses: the survivor’s mother and an investigative police officer. The prosecution also submitted compelling exhibits.
The survivor’s mother testified that she had taken her daughter to Shina for epilepsy treatment, unaware of his intentions. The offense violated Section 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
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